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A Few Tips on Dog Adoption
By Jenny Styles

Dog adoption is not something to be taken lightly or without forethought, especially if you plan to give a home to a shelter dog.

One way you can help fewer dogs be put to sleep is adopting a dog from a shelter. You need to understand that most of these dogs have issues, or they wouldn't be there in the first place. Make sure you select a dog that you and your family get along with.

It's best not to adopt a puppy from a shelter, if for no other reason than its immune system can't yet protect it from all the diseases that the other dogs may be carrying. Dog adoption from a shelter is not for the faint of heart, because you'll see so many pairs of sad eyes that it's hard to decide on just one.

Check over any dog who seems to take a liking to you and your family. A quaint myth that any dog will grow up well if it's raised well is just that - a myth. Genetics and former bad handling may always maintain a scar on the psyche of all but the most quiet of animals.

You never know what kind of dog you will end up with when you go through the dog adoption process at the local shelter. You don't really know what his temperament will be like if something or someone upsets him. You don't know if he has medical issues now, or if he will in the future. Who knows what he was exposed to before he arrived at the shelter? Or since his arrival there? You won't know how territorial your new dog is until you get him home, and then it may be a huge problem for you.

Adult shelter dogs are much easier to consider when you're ready to adopt. Yes, the puppies are adorable, but they are more likely to be selected by someone else. You may be saving an adult dog's life. You can tell up-front what kind of grooming he will need, and you can better estimate his temperament if you deal with an adult.

Before you head off to the shelter to start the dog adoption process, make a list of what breed types you are most interested in. You won't find many purebreds at "the pound", but you can tell if a dog has a lot of a certain breed in him. Labradors, for instance, are commonly crossbred (some on purpose, some not) and they usually make great family pets.

If you're not sure how to decide what dog will work best for you and your family, take a "dog person" with you. You probably know some people who are dog-savvy enough to help you. If you don't know anyone like that, call around to trainers and obedience instructors, and ask if they might be willing to help.

Once you have found "your" dog, take your family back and make sure he gets along with everyone. Before you take him home, make an appointment at your veterinarian's office, and have the new guy checked out. Then take him on home and lavish him with chew toys. You could be another dog adoption success story!

To learn about chihuahua training and chihuahua health, visit the About Animals website.

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